What is the appropriate action if an opponent trips over the goalkeeper's hands during a one-on-one play in the goal area?

In a one-on-one play in the goal area, if an opponent trips over the goalkeeper's hands, the situation typically does not warrant a card or a direct free kick against the goalkeeper. The most appropriate course of action in such a scenario is to recognize that the goalkeeper is permitted to use their hands to play the ball within the penalty area. If the goalkeeper's actions are deemed to be part of a legal attempt to make a play and the opponent's trip is unintentional, then a card is not necessary.

The referee would assess the context of the incident. If the goalkeeper was acting within the rules and the collision was accidental, stopping the play for a foul would not be appropriate, nor would it merit a direct free kick for the attacking team. This emphasizes the idea that not every contact in a soccer match constitutes a foul, especially when the actions are part of the dynamic of the game. As such, acknowledging that no card is warranted for this incident aligns with the rules and spirit of fair play in soccer.